Daily Devotional for January 7, 2018
Big Brother
Josiah felt like his head was going to explode. “Get married!” he boomed. “You’re going to get married? To Mr. Ford? But what about Dad?”
“Josiah, you know that after your dad left us, he married someone else. He won’t be back,” Mom said quietly. “I thought you liked Ryan.”
“Not for a dad! And I definitely don’t want Theo and Simon for brothers either.” Josiah stomped to his room, fighting back tears.
The next day they went to church, and Josiah, who normally loved going, was sad all morning. After class his teacher, Mr. Park, asked what was wrong.
“Mom’s getting married again,” Josiah told Mr. Park angrily. “The guy she’s marrying already has two sons. I don’t want someone else’s dad! I’ve got to get away.” He sank down into his seat. “I’m going to leave—for good! If they get married, I’ll never be happy here.”
“Do you think you’ll find happiness someplace else?” asked Mr. Park.
Josiah shrugged. “I sure won’t find it here!”
“You know, Josiah, happiness isn’t something you find. It’s something that comes from the joy of trusting Jesus—from knowing He’s good and rejoicing in all He’s done for you, even through tears. The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas sang even though they were in prison. You know Jesus and have the hope He brings, so you can have joy too, even when things are hard.”
Josiah sighed, and Mr. Park patted him on the shoulder. “I know it will be difficult at first, but I’ll be here if you need someone to talk to. And you can ask Jesus to give you patience and show your family His love. Your little brother and sister will need their big brother, and your new stepbrothers will need help too. It will be difficult for them as well as for you. Trust Jesus to help you through this situation.”
Josiah hesitated. “I guess you’re right,” he murmured.
“Give your future stepfather a chance to be a part of the family,” said Mr. Park. “He loves the Lord, and I know he loves all of you.”
Josiah nodded. “Will you pray for me?” he asked.
Mr. Park smiled. “Absolutely!” They bowed their heads, and Mr. Park asked God to give Josiah comfort, peace, and joy. – Agnes Livezey
How about you?
Is something in your life making you unhappy? Are you doing all you can to get away from it? Running away from problems doesn’t bring joy. That only comes from trusting Jesus. Trust Him to be with you and help you through whatever is troubling you, and ask Him to help you show His love to those around you, even in difficult times. In Him you’ll find true joy.
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